Mobile pet clinic parks at St. Regis Senior Center
Melanie McInroe, with her pups Buck and Bourbon, is the owner of Mel's Mobile Pet Care Clinic. She will be providing pet care services at the St. Regis Senior Center on the first Friday of each month this summer. (Photo courtesy/Melanie McInroe)
Starting in June, the St. Regis Senior Center will be hosting a mobile pet care clinic on the first Friday of every month, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Melanie McInroe, the owner of Mel’s Mobile Pet Care, is looking forward to bringing this service to the area.
“The Mineral County community is amazing, and I'm proud to be a part of it. The people here are kind, hard-working, and salt of the earth,” McInroe remarked, “A volunteer for the Senior Center reached out to me and brought up this idea, actually. I loved it and am excited to provide pet care for Mineral County.”
Basic services prices that Mel will be providing include: dog nail trim, $25. Nail Dremel, $5 additional. Cat nail trim, $18. Gland expression, $30. Routine ear cleaning, $18. Ear hair plucking, $5 additional. Sanitary trim and dematting: varies in price.
For those who have never brought their animal for care like this, McInroe explained that the length of each visit varies from pet to pet.
“It really depends on the services provided and on the individual pet. Sometimes pets are happy and eager, and sometimes they may be shy and take a little more time. It could be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour or more. I take as much time as needed for the pet to feel comfortable and for the job to be done properly.”
Some tips for bringing pets to McInroe, she said, “I recommend they understand their pet may be stressed or anxious, and to give them time and patience. It's all about figuring out what works best for your pet. I am Fear Free certified and have done extensive training on how to help animals feel safe and comfortable.”
Something she wants all pet owners to realize is that routine care is so important. McInroe stated, “Overgrown nails, dirty ears, or matting can be uncomfortable and cause health issues. Providing this simple care keeps our pets happy and healthy.”
McInroe shared, “I see dogs that are older and have trouble walking with their long nails. Or cats with matting that is irritating their skin. And ultimately, owners that are distressed because they want their pet to feel their best. Being able to help and provide them with comfort is very gratifying.”
McInroe also works at a small animal clinic in Missoula and has been working in veterinary medicine since 2014. She added, “I provide care for pets year-round. Besides the St. Regis Senior Center’s monthly event, I will come to you and provide pet care in the comfort of your own home.”
McInroe loves all animals and has two dogs of her own. She noted, “Buck is a 13-year-old Labradoodle mutt, and Bourbon is a 7-year-old lab mix. My animals give me so much love and joy, and I truly understand how our pets are our family.”
McInroe is excited for this opportunity and to provide care for the pets of Mineral County. The mobile pet care clinic, starting in June, is primarily for dogs due to it being outside. Please bring your dogs on a leash. For cats or any other questions, please call Mel McInroe at 406-530-9733.